The Carolina Panthers announced on Monday that they’re parting ways with general manager Marty Hurney. According to team owner David Tepper, the surprising decision came after it became obvious that the organization and Hurney are “not on the same page” when it comes to football operations.
Hurney’s contract was set to expire before the start of the 2021 NFL season, but the Panthers opted to move on in order to have a new front office before next year’s draft in which the team could have a top-five pick.
“I think it’s just time, on both sides, to do that. It just seems like the right time to move forward,” said Tepper.
Tepper also hinted that Hurney and first-year head coach Matt Rhule didn’t get along and that Rhule will give input in the search for a new GM.
“You look at successful organizations, and there’s a certain alignment between the head coach and the GM,” Tepper added.
Marty Hurney leaves the Panthers after spending more than two decades with the franchise. He joined in 1998 as director of football administration, and also served as director of player operations, before being promoted to general manager in 2002.
Hurney was fired in 2012 after a poor start of the season but was eventually rehired in 2017 following the departure of his successor David Gettleman.
During his stint as the Panthers’ GM, Hurney drafted some of the franchise’s biggest stars, including quarterback Cam Newton and All-Pro linebackers Thomas Davis and Luke Kuechly.
Despite the adequate reasons for his firing, it’s still considered the end of an era.
